Wardens who adopt a more practical approach and ‘educate’ drivers will still be strict with law enforcement, according to José Herrera.

As the government plans a radical shake-up of the warden system, the Parliamentary Secretary for Local Councils yesterday allayed fears that a less draconian enforcement mentality would lead to lack of discipline on the roads.

Dr Herrera said the change would differentiate between a first offence and repeated offences, arguing that it made more sense to urge drivers not to commit a contravention.

“If a car lamp stops working, is it right to fine the driver when he would have probably not even noticed? The warden can inform the driver, still register the offence but not issue the fine.

“If a week later the driver is caught again with a faulty lamp he will have to pay the fine.”

Dr Herrera said the law reforming the warden system would have to be accompanied by a series of legal notices to bolster the standing of local commissioners, who hear tribunal cases.

Ignoring a decision by a local commissioner should be criminalised to cut down on the number of unpaid fines, he said.

There was about €15 million in unpaid fines, with Dr Herrera saying these included non-traffic fines, such as for parents who did not send their children to school.

He was speaking at the offices of the Chamber for Small and Medium Enterprises – GRTU where he was given the organisation’s proposals on the reform.

It wants more respect for delivery people and service providers who are constantly on the road.

The GRTU said wardens should be trained to address people in a polite way and urged the government to ensure the reform did not take the country a step backwards.

ksansone@timesofmalta.com